Philosophy & Religion

Humans have long pondered not only how we came to be but also why we came to be. The earliest Greek philosophers focused their attention upon the origin and nature of the physical world; later philosophers have theorized about the nature of knowledge, truth, good and evil, love, friendship, and much more. Philosophy involves a methodical assessment of any and all aspects of human existence and experience. The realms of philosophy and religion have sometimes intersected in conducting such inquiries as these. As with philosophy, the study of religion underscores how humankind has long speculated about its origins. The possibility of a higher being (or beings) to which livings things owe their existence has long captived human thought. Many religions also offer their own views on the nature of good and evil, and they may prescribe guidelines and judgment on different kinds of human behavior.
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Featured content, December 26, 2022

Red eggs, which symbolize happiness and the renewal of life. Commonly consumed at Easter in the Orthodox Christian faith, symbolizing Christ's blood.
What Do Eggs Have to Do with Easter?
Easter or not, bunnies don’t lay eggs
The Chinese philosopher Confucius (Koshi) in conversation with a little boy in front of him. Artist: Yashima Gakutei. 1829
The Axial Age: 5 Fast Facts
Enlighten yourself about a period of enlightenment.
Agnes with a lamb near her feet. St. Agnes (Saint Agnes) design drawing for stained glass window by J&R Lamb Studios, ink, mount size 10.5 x 14.5 in.
Roman Catholic Saints
“All you holy men and women pray for us.”
Code of Hammurabi
political philosophy
Political philosophy, branch of philosophy that is concerned, at the most abstract level, with the concepts and arguments...

Philosophy & Religion Quizzes

Omar Ali Saifuddin mosque, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.
World Religions & Traditions
Do you believe you know all there is to know about faith around the globe? From temples to festivals, this quiz explores...
Buddha. Temple mural in Thailand of the Buddha founder of a major religions and philosophical system Buddhism.
Buddha and Buddhism
Founded by one man, this religion now inspires millions. Test your "enlightenment" in this quiz about Buddha and Buddhism.
Crowds reach for beads as the Jester float in the traditional Rex parade rolls down Canal Street on Mardi Gras March 8, 2011, New Orleans, Louisiana. Fat Tuesday aka Shrove Tuesday final day of Carnival, day before Ash Wednesday, first day of Lent.
World Religions Quiz
What holiday comes before Lent? Where is the holiest Islamic city located? Sort out world religions in this quiz that will...
Old Bible. Antique Bible, the bible, Christianity education literature manuscript religion text language words biblical, arts and entertainment, history and society, text philosophy, text wisdom, homepage 2010
Religion: High and Mighty Quiz
Can you name the first book of the Hebrew Bible? What Indian festival celebrates the goddess Durga? Test your knowledge of...
Drum. Buddhist monk in Luang Prabang, Laos, hitting temple drum. (Buddhism, religion, percussion)
Religion Across the Globe
Who freed the slaves in Egypt? Where is the holiest city in Islam? Sort out these geographical facts about religion.
Domes of a mosque (muslim, islam) silhouetted against the sky, Malaysia.
A Study of Religion: Fact or Fiction?
Do Sikh texts contain many images of God? Do Muslims always face north in prayer? Sort fact from fiction in this study of...
Matsya avatar of Vishnu, 19th-century lithograph. Vishnu in his avatar of Matsya, a fish. Lithograph from L'Inde Francaise, Paris, 1828. Hindu trinity, Hinduism.
World Religions: Fact or Fiction?
Is Sikhism a branch of Buddhism? Are the first five books of the Hebrew Bible called the Torah? Sort out the facts in this...
(close-up, head) The Birth of Venus, oil on canvas by Sandro Botticelli, c. 1485; in the Uffizi, Florence.
This or That?: Greek Gods vs. Roman Gods
Greek and Roman mythology borrowed heavily from each other. Match these infamous gods with their country of origin.
David Hume in the background St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland. Scottish philosopher, historian, economist, and essayist, known especially for his philosophical empiricism and skepticism.
What’s In a Name? Philosopher Edition
Philosophers are often referred to by their surnames only. Do you remember the given names of these famous philosophers?
Ramadan. Little boy with sparklers. During the holy month of Ramadan Muslims break their fast each evening with prayer followed by festive nighttime meals called iftars. Islam
Holidays and Festivals: Which Religion?
You may know your own religion’s traditions, but do you know who celebrates these holidays and festivals?
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Philosophy & Religion
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Philosophy & Religion Subcategories

Romulus and Remus suckling their wolf foster mother Ancient Religions & Mythology
What did our ancestors believe in? What myths and stories did they use to explain the world around them and find meaning in it? How have their beliefs influenced modern religion and spirituality? Explore these questions and more while discovering notable traditions, figures, and legends that figured prominently in ancient religion and mythology.
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subcategory placeholder Ethical Issues
What moral precepts guide us through tricky situations that may arise in relation to friendships, family, communities, and the work environment? Right and wrong are not always defined in the same way across different cultures.
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Roger Bacon Humanities
The humanities are those branches of knowledge that concern themselves with human beings and their culture. The humanities include the study of all languages and literatures, the arts, history, and philosophy.
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Voltaire Philosophers
Here you'll find the thinkers and theorists who have expressed their own ideas about such topics as the nature of humankind's relationship with the metaphysical world, the definitions of truth and knowledge, and the conditions of existence. From ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle to later notable philosophers such as René Descartes and Immanuel Kant, philosophy's great thinkers have approached sensitive ethical and existential issues from a variety of different angles. Their ideas have influenced the way we look at our world and the way we relate to one another as human beings.
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Cicero Philosophical Issues
Are you ready to delve into the myriad possible answers to such complex questions as What makes an action virtuous? or What is the nature of consciousness? Do you embrace weighty topics such as the relative merits of empiricism and rationalism? An inquisitive spirit is all but a prerequisite for many of the topics listed here, which deal with the different approaches to and ideas about the big questions of life.
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Abu Darweesh Mosque Religious Beliefs
Our religious beliefs can affect our lifestyle, our perceptions, and our way of relating to fellow human beings. Is there a higher power (or powers) that governs the universe and judges all of us? Does committing a mortal sin mean the death of a soul, or is there a chance for forgiveness? The answers to such questions differ widely across different religions.
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Tenrikyo Religious Movements & Organizations
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Martin Luther Religious Personages & Scholars
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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St. Bernadette of Lourdes Religious Places
Human beings tend to relate to their religious beliefs through symbolism. Religious and sacred places—common destinations for pilgrims—represent a physical connection that helps believers express their devotion.
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Mahalia Jackson Sacred Art & Music
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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Chapter 49 of the Isaiah Scroll Scriptures
Sacred scriptures of all religions, viewed as the word of God or inspired by God, have influenced the moral and ethical standards of countries, peoples, and religious groups. Their interpretation has long been a subject of discussion and, at times, controversy.
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Charles Sprague Pearce: Religion Spirituality
This general category includes a selection of more specific topics.
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